Both the Blizzak and the Artic Alpin are an excellent choice. I ran Blizzaks for the last two winters in east central Ohio and drive 450 miles a week on work commute not to mention work related side trips. The Blizzaks never let me down. Regardless of whether your present tires are M&S rated, the fact remains that you live in Vermont. Considering that, I wouldn't take chances without "snows" on my car! Just my 2 cents.
I know that XM radio is added(which I very much like). But are there any other differences from the 2003 EXV6? When I test drove the car in March, I found that there was too much road noise. Otherwise it was a well done car. Does anyone have a 2004 EXV6, please TALK about your new car! I very much like the things you find out in this forum. The good and the bad. Thanks
I purchased a new 2003 Honda LX Sedan last week ago. Today I noticed that rear door latch receiver clasp located on the inside door opening jamb on both sides have a paint problem. It looks like the clasps are bolted on before the body was painted. It looks like the robot painters were not able to get enough paint inside the clasp and therefore primer is exposed to one's sight when opening the door and peering at it. I stopped at my local dealer and we took a look at another sedan on the lot and the same thing was visable on it. He offered a bootle of touch up paint to fix it. There is no way I could smear on enough paint in there and come out with a good finish. Has anyone else noticed this on their 2003 Sedan? I am really surprised to see this lack of quality control on my new Accord.
I have the same car, but for the life of me can't figure out where you are talking about. Is there any way you could post a pic or describe it a little bit further?
If it is minor and they are all like that, forget about it. It is only the door jamb. If you didn't notice it yourself when you were buying the car, few others would notice it either. If they are all like that, it isn't going to affect resale value or anything like that. If it is major and worse than the other cars, you should have the dealer fix it at a body shop.
Does anyone know if it is possible to somehow customize/buy an in-dash CD changer for a new Accord that plays mp3's? I do not want the add-on mp3 player--seems ridiculous to have to add an extra CD player for this (and ugly). Mp3 as a format is growing exponentially, and automakers, especially Honda, are behind the ball! With one CD of mp3 songs, we're talking 10 hours of music! A 6 cd-changer = 60 hours! Anyone know of plans for Honda to include mp3-compatibile cd players/changers as standard in the future?
If the stereo has additional external CD-changer controls built-in (or whatever it uses to control the single disk MP3 player or cassette player), you might be able to get an adapater cable that lets you convert that to an AUX input. You can then use an RCA/headphone jack adapter from the AUX input to play MP3s from a portable MP3 player or even a laptop. Maybe by 2005 or 2006 the Accord might play MP3s from the stock CD player. Otherwise, for $10 per month, you can have XM radio instead.
MP3 players seem to be coming slowly as a factory option. Was looking at the 04 VUE and Saturn now offers them on all their vehicles. Wouldn't be surprised if Honda follows soon. People look for them these days.
Thank you for all the snow tire/rims info and recommendations - I really appreciate it. I realize it seems a bit early to be worrying about this, but this IS Vermont!!
Does anyone know what the gray/black box just to the left of the right speaker in the trunk is for? I have a pretty good rattle on the rear rh side..I think this may be the culprit. I dont see anything on the decklid that corresponds to it.
I own a '00 Accord, 4 cylinder, 5 spd. It has 73K miles, and the check engine light has popped on now, 3 times. My mechanic checked the error the 1st two times; specific was a thermostat problem-the engine isn't heating up as quickly as the computer thinks that it should (so, he reset the error). The weather has changed here(much cooler), and so this a.m., the check engine light appeared again. I am leaving it tonight, at the mechanic's, for him to check the length of time that it will take it to warm up on a cold a.m.. Hopefully, the only thing that will have to be done, is to swap out the thermostat. Has anyone out there had a similar problem(with a similar solution)?
Just bought an 04 Accord. The salesman advised me to never top off the gas. When the pump shuts off never add more than a few cents to round off. over filling will cause the check engine light to come on. (pressure related) Maybe its the same for the 2000's.
Hi all - I just took my 03 EX6 Coupe in for a wheel alignment, and a 15000 mile checkover. I have been experiencing a noise that sounds like something is loose or is a bad bearing under the hood somewhere. It is most evident when coasting - that is, without pressing on the gas. The Honda dealer (Madison Honda in NJ) thought the noise came from the power steering pump..they changed that and some high pressure lines, and still the noise is there. It is not loud, but I find myself listening for it when I drive. Has anyone experienced this? The dealer says that he drove another 6 cylinder and it too has the noise. He doesn't think anything is wrong - that it's just the engine working properly. What say you?
Does the noise disappear when the a/c compressor disengages, or when the a/c itself is shut off ? If so, could just be the idler/tensioner pulley of the a/c comp. My v6 has a similar noise which I'll have the dealer check next visit.
have you checked your thermostat, pcv valve, etc... small stuff, but could be an easy fix.
That gray black box is nothing. I have had the rear deck apart in my Accord, and in my '00 Civic, both there, both empty... not sure exactly what it is for...
I just came from the "Accord Problems Board/Part#2. One of the posters over there just related how he is going to have to have the transmission replaced in his brand new EX V-6 w/ 1500 miles on it.
I happen to own an EX V-6. These types of reports are very disturbing. This is the first Honda I've owned since the 80's when I bought three Accords in a row and I don't ever remember reports of major issues of this nature occurring at that time.
As many of you are aware, the Acura Division is/has been having MAJOR issues with transmissions in the TL. I can't help but wonder what the hell is going on with the venerable Honda Motor Co. whose "bench mark" cars are having these types of significant issues. I have been fortunate thus far with my car but I really feel sorry for those folks who are having to deal with these types of inexcusable failures of this magnitude in brand new automobiles.
1 - What prompted his service department to replace the transmission - even he didn't think there was a major problem 2 - More than one person reporting that there is a problem
...I don't think it's in anybody's best interest to jump to conclusions, assuming that there's some sort of widespread problem.
And if you think that Honda is the only "benchmark" brand that's experiencing some issues, I'll remind of you one thing... Toyota's engine sludge problem.
this is the INTERNET. yes, there are documented cases of Acura/Honda trasmission failures.
but, again, i don't believe everything i read on the net. when i used to be in the VW forums more, there were so many obvious false/made up posts, it wasn't even funny. people having coils replaced under recalls on 2.0 liter Jettas, New Beetle Turbo convetibles issues, when the Turbo wasn't even here yet, etc.
not saying that a Honda doesn't have problems. i had two Civics (97 and 01)that were junk. but i need a little more details before i dump my new car
I agree with justin and talon95 let's not jump to conclusions.
berbel: if you want to read more on concerns about Accord quality just search the previous posts. Search for squeaks, brakes, headliner, clunk, transmission, rotors, etc... There is plenty to read that has already been discussed in way to much detail over and over again.
Thought an Acura or two were scheduled for next gas-electric hybrid intro.s.
Would anyone be interested in a hybrid Accord? Seems like there would be some demand based upon how well the 2004 Prius is pre-selling. If a diesel wagon was not available then a hybrid sedan might be of interest.
ODY group had a good discussion about the transmission issue a while back. VW problems seem to extend beyond the internet to dealerships and buying public. Upcoming Passat GLS wagon with diesel is tempting but not so much when compared to Honda, Subaru, and Toyota.
The 4cyl already does 0-60 in under 8 secs and manages to get 34 MPG on the highway. The Hybrid would have to either make the 0-60 time at least 1-2 sec faster and/or double the MPG to make it worth my time and $$ to buy one.
I probably would only want to pay a $2500 premium for that increased performance and economy also.
The diesel would be a similar decision process for me. But the added low end torque that diesels usually provide would be nice if there weren't a large $$ premium for the new engine.
If Ford is hoping to get 40 MPG from their Hybrid Escape a 60MPG Hybrid Honda Accord shouldn't be that far from reality.
Does anyone know how well the Hybrid Civic is selling?
Integrated Motor Assist, which is intended to be more of a eco-friendly performance enhancement. It will enable the next Legend to have a V-6 with V-8 like performance. I assume the Hybrid Accord means the eco-friendly oriented product like the Civic. Many people have questioned the value of such a hybrid in that the fuel savings isn't that significant in relation to technology costs. It has PR appeal however.
The Civic hybrid gets 46/51 with the 5 sp vs 32/37 for the EX gas version with a $2400 price premium. Over the course of 100,000 miles and assuming the above highway estimates you will use 1960 vs 2702 gallons of fuel. At $1.75 you will save $1298 in fuel - about half of the initial additional cost.
Of course, there are other factors (the $2K tax deduction, the feel good nature, et al). But from a strict dollars and sense position, it's not positive.
But adding hybrid technology to the top selling Accord could bring down the additional cost of the technology so that someday it may be a less costly option. I read in C&D or Automobile this month that Toyota had sold enough of the previous Prius model to make back their investment and that the new model was going to be a profitable.
1 of 1 MPG on 2003 2.4liter VTEC Honda Accord by gnom Sep 28, 2003 (1:09 pm) I have a 2003 4cyl. 2.4 VTEC Honda Accord. I drove 600 miles and this is my third time going to the gas station. It takes about 230 miles in the city for 17.1 gal. tank. I think my car birns a lot of gas,pleas help me.
I think there is tranny confusion here. jebinc (me) posted several posts a week back regarding a EX V6 tranny needing replacement at 3K due to delays in shifting from "P" to "D".
Accordboy post was another premature tranny failure at low mileage, but was a different type of failure.
have a question for you... do you have a 5spd or auto? reason I ask is because people tend to "overrev" the optimal shift points suggested by honda. According to the manual, you should be shifting under 2500rpm. I would imagine that the same holds true for the auto...
I took the car on a nice 450mi trip on about 13 gallons of gas. so that's about 34mpg ranging from 50mph to 130mph the whole trip.
in my normal driving, roughly 80%city/20%highway... If I keep the shift points under 2500rpm's I usually get about 290-310 miles to a tank keeping in mind a normal fill is only about 11-12gallons when the light first turns on. so roughly 25mpg or so. Of course, driving "normally" for me will drop my mpg by about 5-6(down to about 20) since my "normal" driving causes me to shift out of first around 4500rpm..... 2nd 4500.... 3rd 3400... etc...
I'm going to guess you are getting roughly 20mpg and that's about normal, IMHO.
Has anyone added the auto dimming RR mirror with compass to a 03 Accord V6 Sedan? Does it involve much rewiring and headliner work? Or is the hookup readily available? Any info welcome. Also how involved to add Chrome exhaust tips on the dual exhausts? thanks for assist.
All electric windows, except for the front drivers side window recently stopped working. In addition, the power door lock switch does not function. Both problems seem to be related since they occurred at the same time. I checked the fuses related to the power windows and power door lock, but they appear to be normal. Has anyone experienced similar problems with their Accord. Any suggestions on how I might effect repair without visiting the dealer? Please advise
Would definitely be good. I think there's a big demand for such cars by the sales of the prius. People realize the real costs are slightly more than a regular gas-powered version, but there's enough demand from environmentally conscious affluent buyers. A hybrid is often seen as the anti-SUV. The american makers are just slipping every time I read about their hybrid plans, it keeps getting delayed and they keep stripping features compared to toyota & honda. It seems like they keep making promises just so the press releases at least mentions their companies.
the American brands still can't muster a decent relibility rating for gasoline powered cars. how are they going to produce a hybrid that isn't in the shop each week??
talking about mileage, it's non-linear.. because when you have more gas in the tank, the whole car is heavier and thus needs more force to accelerate. as u use more gas, less power is needed to accelerate the car; thus using less gas.
Can someone recommend winter tires for An EX V6 Accord, year 2000? I bought a set of TOYO Observe winter tires last winter, but they were so bad (severe vibration on speeds over 50 MPH) that I had to get a re-imboursement.
You definitely haven't seen your true gas mileage yet. At 5000 miles on the odometer I took a road trip and got 37 miles per gallon, with the a/c running about 70% of the time. You'll get there. If you don't, see your dealer.
How would you rank the following for side crash safety overall (factoring in both head and body injury)?
Accord sedan with side air bags (NO side curtains) Altima with side and curtain air bags Camry sedan with side and curtain air bags Mazda6 with side and curtain air bags
I've done quite a bit of research into this before purchasing my car. Also check out the Japanese crash tests for reference: http://www.nasva.go.jp/assess/html2003e/as106.html In addition to NHTSA.gov and IIHS (hwysafety.org).
1. Mazda6 / Accord (with side & curtains) 2. Honda Accord (WITHOUT curtains) 3. Toyota Camry with side & curtains 4. Nissan Altima with side & curtains
The current Mazda6 and Accord have the most up-to-date structrual safety designs, whereas the Camry is a bit older, and the current Altima is the oldest of the bunch.
Dealer service techs say I need a new front axle. They say it'll be a $280 job which sounds kind of high. I thought independent garages were cheaper until the local one wanted $270 for a tune-up on my 97 F150 4.6L (:O
How much should I expect to pay for a new front axle?
I added both the day/night mirror and SS tips. The tips bolt in in 30 seconds. The mirror does involve some headliner work and removal of the Homelink module in order to route the wire bundle down to the fuse box. The job took me about 45-60 minutes because I was reading and being extra careful. I later installed another one for a friend and completed the job in just under 25 minutes. The fun part is twisting off the old mirror with pliers as you're always afraid of damaging the windshield. After you do one install, you'll never think twice about doing it again if you ever had to. Hope that helps.
PS. I love the unit; works great but is a bit pricy at $180 (HandA).
Seaf: I am wondering why you rate the Mazda6 ahead of Camry? Without any side/curtain airbags, the 2003 Camry scored higher than the Mazda6 in NHTSA side crash test. So if you add side & curtains on both ... ?
Note that (1) the Mazda did worse in NHTSA side test than the corrsponding Japanese test with the Atenza, for whatever reasons, and (2) Toyota has said the 2002 Camry's poor driver side crash result was an unexpected anomality, and made some minor changes to 2003 model, which did significantly better (narrowly missing 4-star). The 2002+ Camry was built on a new platform just like the others.
I am also interested in your thought process for rating (Accord without curtains) higher than (Camry with side+curtains).
(In case there is any misunderstanding: I'm trying to gather opinions for my own decision process, not trying to argue/disagree. Thanks.)
Comments
excellent choice. I ran Blizzaks for the last
two winters in east central Ohio and drive 450
miles a week on work commute not to mention
work related side trips. The Blizzaks never let
me down. Regardless of whether your present tires
are M&S rated, the fact remains that you live in Vermont. Considering that, I wouldn't take chances
without "snows" on my car! Just my 2 cents.
berbel
is there a similiar site for Honda?
If it is major and worse than the other cars, you should have the dealer fix it at a body shop.
http://www.vtec.net/news/
Maybe by 2005 or 2006 the Accord might play MP3s from the stock CD player.
Otherwise, for $10 per month, you can have XM radio instead.
My car is 03 EX V6 sedan purchased last November.
Thanks!!
www.handa-accessories.com
I'll have to check my trunk too!
That gray black box is nothing. I have had the rear deck apart in my Accord, and in my '00 Civic, both there, both empty... not sure exactly what it is for...
One of the posters over there just related how he
is going to have to have the transmission replaced
in his brand new EX V-6 w/ 1500 miles on it.
I happen to own an EX V-6. These types of reports
are very disturbing. This is the first Honda I've
owned since the 80's when I bought three Accords
in a row and I don't ever remember reports of major
issues of this nature occurring at that time.
As many of you are aware, the Acura Division is/has
been having MAJOR issues with transmissions in the
TL. I can't help but wonder what the hell is going
on with the venerable Honda Motor Co. whose "bench
mark" cars are having these types of significant
issues. I have been fortunate thus far with my
car but I really feel sorry for those folks who are
having to deal with these types of inexcusable
failures of this magnitude in brand new automobiles.
berbel
1 - What prompted his service department to replace the transmission - even he didn't think there was a major problem
2 - More than one person reporting that there is a problem
...I don't think it's in anybody's best interest to jump to conclusions, assuming that there's some sort of widespread problem.
And if you think that Honda is the only "benchmark" brand that's experiencing some issues, I'll remind of you one thing... Toyota's engine sludge problem.
but, again, i don't believe everything i read on the net. when i used to be in the VW forums more, there were so many obvious false/made up posts, it wasn't even funny. people having coils replaced under recalls on 2.0 liter Jettas, New Beetle Turbo convetibles issues, when the Turbo wasn't even here yet, etc.
not saying that a Honda doesn't have problems. i had two Civics (97 and 01)that were junk. but i need a little more details before i dump my new car
berbel: if you want to read more on concerns about Accord quality just search the previous posts. Search for squeaks, brakes, headliner, clunk, transmission, rotors, etc... There is plenty to read that has already been discussed in way to much detail over and over again.
Thought an Acura or two were scheduled for next gas-electric hybrid intro.s.
Would anyone be interested in a hybrid Accord? Seems like there would be some demand based upon how well the 2004 Prius is pre-selling.
If a diesel wagon was not available then a hybrid sedan might be of interest.
ODY group had a good discussion about the transmission issue a while back. VW problems seem to extend beyond the internet to dealerships and buying public. Upcoming Passat GLS wagon with diesel is tempting but not so much when compared to Honda, Subaru, and Toyota.
I probably would only want to pay a $2500 premium for that increased performance and economy also.
The diesel would be a similar decision process for me. But the added low end torque that diesels usually provide would be nice if there weren't a large $$ premium for the new engine.
If Ford is hoping to get 40 MPG from their Hybrid Escape a 60MPG Hybrid Honda Accord shouldn't be that far from reality.
Does anyone know how well the Hybrid Civic is selling?
Of course, there are other factors (the $2K tax deduction, the feel good nature, et al). But from a strict dollars and sense position, it's not positive.
But adding hybrid technology to the top selling Accord could bring down the additional cost of the technology so that someday it may be a less costly option. I read in C&D or Automobile this month that Toyota had sold enough of the previous Prius model to make back their investment and that the new model was going to be a profitable.
I have a 2003 4cyl. 2.4 VTEC Honda Accord.
I drove 600 miles and this is my third time going to the gas station. It takes about 230 miles in the city for 17.1 gal. tank.
I think my car birns a lot of gas,pleas help me.
Also, Honda engines need some time to reach their mpg goals. Wait until you've reached 10K miles before being concerned.
Good Luck.
I think there is tranny confusion here. jebinc (me) posted several posts a week back regarding a EX V6 tranny needing replacement at 3K due to delays in shifting from "P" to "D".
Accordboy post was another premature tranny failure at low mileage, but was a different type of failure.
I took the car on a nice 450mi trip on about 13 gallons of gas. so that's about 34mpg ranging from 50mph to 130mph the whole trip.
in my normal driving, roughly 80%city/20%highway... If I keep the shift points under 2500rpm's I usually get about 290-310 miles to a tank keeping in mind a normal fill is only about 11-12gallons when the light first turns on. so roughly 25mpg or so. Of course, driving "normally" for me will drop my mpg by about 5-6(down to about 20) since my "normal" driving causes me to shift out of first around 4500rpm..... 2nd 4500.... 3rd 3400... etc...
I'm going to guess you are getting roughly 20mpg and that's about normal, IMHO.
Hope this help's some...
year 2000? I bought a set of TOYO Observe winter tires
last winter, but they were so bad (severe vibration on speeds over 50
MPH) that I had to get a re-imboursement.
Thanks, Piceno
Accord sedan with side air bags (NO side curtains)
Altima with side and curtain air bags
Camry sedan with side and curtain air bags
Mazda6 with side and curtain air bags
1. Mazda6 / Accord (with side & curtains)
2. Honda Accord (WITHOUT curtains)
3. Toyota Camry with side & curtains
4. Nissan Altima with side & curtains
The current Mazda6 and Accord have the most up-to-date structrual safety designs, whereas the Camry is a bit older, and the current Altima is the oldest of the bunch.
How much should I expect to pay for a new front axle?
PS. I love the unit; works great but is a bit pricy at $180 (HandA).
Note that (1) the Mazda did worse in NHTSA side test than the corrsponding Japanese test with the Atenza, for whatever reasons, and (2) Toyota has said the 2002 Camry's poor driver side crash result was an unexpected anomality, and made some minor changes to 2003 model, which did significantly better (narrowly missing 4-star). The 2002+ Camry was built on a new platform just like the others.
I am also interested in your thought process for rating (Accord without curtains) higher than (Camry with side+curtains).
(In case there is any misunderstanding: I'm trying to gather opinions for my own decision process, not trying to argue/disagree. Thanks.)